The picturesque Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo will host a pivotal clash in the Serie A relegation battle on Monday evening, as Venezia welcome regional rivals Hellas Verona. Both Veneto clubs find themselves entrenched in the fight for top-flight survival, with the visitors currently four points ahead of their 19th-placed hosts.
Venezia have shown signs of life in recent weeks, losing just twice in their last seven outings. This mini-revival has brought them to within touching distance of safety, though they still trail 17th place by five points. Their most recent result, a 1-1 draw away to fellow promoted side Parma, epitomized their season – competitive but ultimately falling short of the crucial victories needed to climb the table.
The Lagunari have become set-piece specialists this campaign, both for better and worse. They lead Serie A in the percentage of goals scored (58%) and conceded (41%) from dead-ball situations, making every free kick and corner a potential game-changer.
Hellas Verona enter this contest with the psychological edge of an impressive head-to-head record against Venezia. The Gialloblu are unbeaten in their last seven Serie A meetings with Monday’s hosts, winning six. Their most recent visit to the Penzo produced a memorable 4-3 victory in 2021, marking the only time in Verona’s top-flight history they’ve won after trailing by three goals.
This match presents an intriguing managerial subplot. Venezia’s Eusebio Di Francesco once led Verona, while current Hellas boss Paolo Zanetti was in charge of Venezia for their famous 4-3 defeat in 2021. Both coaches now face the challenge of steering their sides clear of relegation.
Defense has been a major concern for both teams this season. Verona, in particular, have struggled mightily at the back. Their 3-0 loss to Lazio last week pushed their goals-against average to a worrying 2.24 per game. The Scaligeri have now conceded more than 45 goals at this stage of a season for the first time in their Serie A history – the third-worst record of any club so far this century.
Verona’s offensive output has also dried up recently, with the team failing to find the net in their last three matches. They’ll be desperate to end both their scoring drought and winless start to 2025 in this Derby del Veneto.
The clash between Venezia’s Pohjanpalo and Verona’s Casper Tengstedt could prove decisive. Both strikers have netted six times in their debut Serie A campaigns, trailing only Roma’s Artem Dovbyk among newcomers to the league.
Team News
Venezia’s top scorer Joel Pohjanpalo is reportedly close to a move to Serie B side Palermo, while their defense has been decimated by injuries. Michael Svoboda is out long-term, with Giorgio Altare and Marin Sverko also doubtful. This could see Antonio Candela and Ridgeciano Haps continue as makeshift center-backs. New signings Cheick Conde and Alessio Zerbin are pushing for their first starts.
Verona must cope without suspended duo Ondrej Duda and Pawel Dawidowicz. Chelsea-linked midfielder Reda Belahyane could benefit from Duda’s absence. Long-term absentees Martin Frese, Juan Cruz, and Abdou Harroui remain sidelined.
Expected Starting XIs
Venezia: Stankovic; Candela, Idzes, Haps; Zerbin, Ellertsson, Nicolussi Caviglia, Busio, Zampano; Oristanio; Pohjanpalo
Hellas Verona: Montipo; Magnani, Coppola, Ghilardi; Tchatchoua, Serdar, Belahyane, Lazovic; Suslov; Sarr, Tengstedt
Match Prediction
With both teams desperate for points, we could see an open and entertaining affair. Verona and Venezia have conceded the most goals (22 and 14 respectively) in the first half-hour of matches this season, suggesting an early goal rush is possible.
Given the high stakes and both teams’ defensive frailties, a score draw seems likely. However, Verona’s superior head-to-head record and slightly better recent form could see them edge a tight contest.
Prediction: Venezia 1-2 Hellas Verona